Numerical Modelling of Scour Around an Offshore Jacket Structure Using REEF3D

Abstract

In the present paper, a numerical investigation of the scouring around offshore jacket structure is carried out. The open-source CFD model REEF3D is used for the numerical modelling. The model solves the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with k-ω turbulence closure to calculate the flow hydrodynamics. The simulated flow field is coupled with sediment transport module in the model to calculate the scouring process. The scouring calculations are based on the Exner formula. The free surface and sediment bed topography are captured with the level set method. Results discuss the numerical modelling of an in situ local scour around the jacket foundations at the C-power wind farm Thornton bank. The key finding from the paper is the local scour around the individual jacket foundations and the global scour which takes place in form of a saucer-shaped. Additionally, the hydrodynamics and the temporal evolution of the scouring process under the wave and current action are discussed. The implication of the study is to set up a CFD model for the hydrodynamics and the scour calculations around offshore jacket foundations.